Blues are back in town.

The biggest compilation of blues music on the Island invades VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Inner Harbour when Blues Bash takes over Ship Point Sept. 1 to 3 for a three-day single-venue outdoor music festival.

B次元官网网址�(Blues Bash) adds a very, very good vibe for downtown Victoria on Labour Day weekend,B次元官网网址� said BB communications officer Kendra Martin. B次元官网网址淵ou can tell people are really alive during the weekend, it brings an energy when you go downtown.B次元官网网址�

The 18th annual event kicks off with free performances at Ship Point from noon to 5 p.m. before the venue is shut down then reopened for the feature ticketed performances at 7 p.m.

The Victoria Jazz SocietyB次元官网网址檚 second of two outdoor festivals drew 18,000 viewers in 2011 that again boasts a lineup bursting with blues influences running the gamut from contemporary and Memphis to delta and gospel stylings.

Ticketed performances include three-time Juno-nominated Victorian and long-time blues stylist David Gogo playing Sept. 1 at 7 p.m., and Joe Louis Walker kicking off his North American tour in Victoria Sept. 7. Free performances are anchored by an experienced group of local performers.

B次元官网网址淎 lot of the acts we pride ourselves on are our locals,B次元官网网址� Martin continued. B次元官网网址淲e have a rich condensed level of talent in Victoria and Vancouver Island so Blues Bash is a great way to lend a stage for these awesome performers.B次元官网网址�

The festival boasts a number of well-respected local acts including Lazy Mike and the RockinB次元官网网址� Recliners, The Roper Show and Paul Black who makes his fifth appearance at one of his favourite events of the year.

B次元官网网址淭he Blues Bash is the biggest (blues) show in Victoria,B次元官网网址� Black said. B次元官网网址淵ou canB次元官网网址檛 beat them. Being local you get a lot of the same people and familiar faces, it is nice to play to a larger wider audience.B次元官网网址�

The Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy and Jimi Hendrix influenced guitar player and vocalist happened upon blues music when he unknowingly took in a performance by a legendary musician that changed his life.

B次元官网网址淭he first time I listened to Stevie Ray Vaughn, man that gave me goosebumps. It was so intense, the feeling and intensity of it,B次元官网网址� Black said. B次元官网网址淭he blues just give you a beat everyone can hold on and grab onto.B次元官网网址�

He came out of that concert with a new appreciation for musical stylings he wasnB次元官网网址檛 hearing on the radio and hopes that others who take in the festival feel the same way for him and his original music.

B次元官网网址淭here are things that just grab you and send a chill up your spine, it is hard to describe. B次元官网网址� It is not all wrapped around the mathematical, blues is all about feel,B次元官网网址� the Victorian said. B次元官网网址淚 am not trying to get into MuchMusic, it is all about getting people to dig what you do and appreciate live music. I am trying to give other people goosebumps.B次元官网网址�